JP6977315B2 - Liquid containment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid container for accommodating a liquid such as ink.

Patent Documents 1 to 3 disclose various printers in which the atmosphere is introduced into a liquid container. The printers of Patent Documents 1 and 2 are "on-carriage type" printers in which a liquid container is mounted on a holder of a carriage for moving a print head, and the printer of Patent Document 3 mounts a liquid container on a carriage. It is an "off-carriage type" printer that installs a liquid container in a fixed position without using it.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-40080 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-40041 Japanese Patent No. 3807115

In these various printers, air bubbles may be mixed in the ink supplied from the liquid container. If air bubbles flow into the print head of the printer, printing defects may occur. In particular, in a liquid container mounted on an on-carriage type printer such as Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the ink undulates due to the reciprocating movement of the carriage, and the ink in the ink chamber and the atmosphere are mixed to generate bubbles. This problem tends to be noticeable. Even if the liquid container is not a liquid container into which air is introduced, such a problem can occur if a certain amount of air is present in the liquid container. Such a problem is a problem common to a liquid container that houses a liquid other than ink and other liquid injection devices that use the liquid container.

The present invention has been made to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized as the following forms.

(1) According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid container configured to be mounted on a carriage that reciprocates in the X direction. This liquid container has an upper wall and a bottom wall facing each other in the Z direction intersecting the X direction; and a first side wall and a second side wall facing each other in the X direction and the Y direction intersecting the Z direction; in the X direction. Facing third and fourth side walls; liquid supply port provided on the bottom wall; first accommodation chamber provided on the + Z direction side of the upper wall side of the Z direction; the Z direction. Of these, a second storage chamber provided on the -Z direction side, which is the bottom wall side; a partition wall separating the first storage room and the second storage room; the first storage room and the second storage room. The second storage chamber is connected to the liquid supply port, and the first storage chamber is connected to the liquid supply port via the communication port and the second storage chamber. The second accommodating chamber is connected to the supply port, and the second accommodating chamber includes a folded flow path that folds back along the X direction, and the liquid in the first accommodating chamber is the liquid from the communication port via the folded flow path. When viewed from the Z direction, the shape of the flow path cross section of the communication port includes at least a first polygon and a second polygon, and the area of the first polygon is included. It is characterized in that the area of the second polygon is different from that of the second polygon.
In the case of the liquid container having such a form, the second storage chamber is provided with a folded flow path that is folded along the moving direction of the liquid container, so that the liquid supplied from the liquid container can be used. The possibility of air bubbles being mixed can be reduced. Further, since the shape of the flow path cross section of the communication port for communicating the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber includes the first polygon and the second polygon having different areas, gas-liquid exchange at the communication port. Is promoted, and it is difficult for air bubbles to reach the liquid supply port. Therefore, the possibility that air bubbles are mixed in the liquid supplied from the liquid container can be more effectively reduced.

(2) In the liquid container of the above-described embodiment, the folded flow path includes a first flow path in which a liquid flows from the third side wall side to the fourth side wall side and the third side wall from the fourth side wall side. It may include a second flow path through which the liquid flows toward the side. With such a liquid container, the length of the folded flow path can be lengthened.

(3) In the liquid container of the above embodiment, the shape of the cross section of the flow path when the connection portion between the first flow path and the second flow path is viewed from the Z direction is at least a third polygon and a fourth. The area of the third polygon and the area of the fourth polygon may be different from each other. With such a liquid container, air bubbles can be mixed in the liquid supplied from the liquid container because gas-liquid exchange can be promoted even at the connection portion between the first flow path and the second flow path. Can be reduced more effectively.

(4) In the liquid container of the above embodiment, at the connection portion between the first flow path and the second flow path, on the inner surface of at least one of the first side wall and the second side wall, from the upper wall to the bottom. A step extending in the direction toward the wall may be formed. With such a liquid container, the liquid can flow along the step, so that the liquid easily flows from the first flow path to the second flow path.

(5) The liquid container of the above embodiment has a third flow path for delivering liquid between the second storage chamber and the liquid supply port, which discharges the liquid from the second storage chamber to the liquid supply port. , A fourth flow path for delivering air from the liquid supply port to the second storage chamber may be provided. With such a liquid container, gas-liquid exchange is promoted between the second storage chamber and the liquid supply port, so that the possibility of air bubbles being mixed in the liquid supplied from the liquid container is more effective. Can be reduced to.

(6) In the liquid accommodating body of the above-mentioned form, when the first accommodating chamber side is the upstream side and the liquid supply port side is the downstream side of the folded flow paths, the most said of the folded flow paths. The wall forming the upper surface of the flow path on the downstream side may include a portion inclined in the + Z direction from the downstream side toward the upstream side. With such a liquid container, air bubbles in the second storage chamber can be moved to the upstream side by utilizing the buoyancy.

(7) In the liquid container of the above embodiment, the partition wall forms the upper surface of the most upstream side of the folded flow path, and the partition wall is in the + Z direction from the downstream side to the upstream side. A portion inclined to the side may be included. With such a liquid container, air bubbles in the second storage chamber can be moved to the upstream side by utilizing the buoyancy.

(8) In the liquid container of the above embodiment, the second storage chamber may have a space located on the + Z direction side of the folded flow path and may include a bubble storage portion in which bubbles are stored. .. With such a liquid container, air bubbles in the second storage chamber can be moved to a space located on the + Z direction side of the folded flow path by utilizing the buoyancy thereof.

(9) In the liquid container of the above-mentioned form, the bubble storage portion may be connected to the folded-back flow path in the middle of the folded-back flow path. With such a liquid container, air bubbles can be kept away from the first storage chamber and the liquid supply port.

(10) According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid container configured to be mounted on a carriage that reciprocates in the X direction. The liquid container has an upper wall and a bottom wall facing each other in the Z direction intersecting the X direction; and a first side wall and a second side wall facing the X direction and the Y direction intersecting the Z direction; in the X direction. Facing third and fourth side walls; liquid supply port provided in the bottom wall; first accommodation chamber provided in the + Z direction side of the upper wall side of the Z direction; the Z direction. Of these, a second storage chamber provided on the -Z direction side, which is the bottom wall side; a partition wall separating the first storage room and the second storage room; the first storage room and the second storage room. The second storage chamber is connected to the liquid supply port, and the first storage chamber is connected to the liquid supply port via the communication port and the second storage chamber. The second accommodating chamber, which is connected to the supply port, includes a folded flow path that folds back along the X direction, and the liquid in the first accommodating chamber is the liquid from the communication port via the folded flow path. The folded flow path is led out to the supply port, and the folded flow path is the first flow path in which the liquid flows from the third side wall side toward the fourth side wall side, and the folded flow path from the fourth side wall side toward the third side wall side. The shape of the flow path cross section when the connection portion between the first flow path and the second flow path is viewed from the Z direction, including the second flow path through which the liquid flows, has at least two polygons having different areas. It is characterized by including.
In the case of the liquid container having such a form, the second storage chamber is provided with a folded flow path that is folded along the moving direction of the liquid container, so that the liquid supplied from the liquid container can be used. The possibility of air bubbles being mixed can be reduced. Further, since the shape of the flow path cross section of the connection portion between the first flow path and the second flow path in the folded flow path includes at least two polygons having different areas, gas-liquid exchange can be performed at this connection portion. It is promoted and it is difficult for air bubbles to reach the liquid supply port. Therefore, the possibility that air bubbles are mixed in the liquid supplied from the liquid container can be more effectively reduced.

(11) According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid container configured to be mounted on a carriage that reciprocates in the X direction. This liquid container has an upper wall and a bottom wall facing each other in the Z direction intersecting the X direction; and a first side wall and a second side wall facing each other in the X direction and the Y direction intersecting the Z direction; in the X direction. Facing third and fourth side walls; liquid supply port provided on the bottom wall; first accommodation chamber provided on the + Z direction side of the upper wall side of the Z direction; the Z direction. Of these, a second accommodation chamber provided on the −Z direction side, which is the bottom wall side; a partition wall separating the first accommodation chamber and the second accommodation chamber; the first accommodation chamber and the second accommodation. The second storage chamber is connected to the liquid supply port, and the first storage chamber is connected to the liquid supply port via the communication port and the second storage chamber. The second accommodating chamber, which is connected to the supply port, includes a folded-back flow path that folds back along the X direction, and the liquid in the first accommodating chamber is the liquid from the communication port via the folded-back flow path. A flow path for delivering liquid, which is led out to a supply port and discharges liquid from the second storage chamber to the liquid supply port, and air is supplied to the liquid between the second storage chamber and the liquid supply port. It is characterized by including a flow path for sending air from the mouth to the second storage chamber.
In the case of the liquid container having such a form, the second storage chamber is provided with a folded flow path that is folded along the moving direction of the liquid container, so that the liquid supplied from the liquid container can be used. The possibility of air bubbles being mixed can be reduced. Further, since a flow path for delivering liquid and a flow path for delivering air are provided between the second storage chamber and the liquid supply port, gas and liquid are provided between the second storage chamber and the liquid supply port. Exchange is facilitated and air bubbles are less likely to reach the liquid supply port. Therefore, the possibility that air bubbles are mixed in the liquid supplied from the liquid container can be more effectively reduced.

The present invention can be realized in various forms other than the above-mentioned form as a liquid container. For example, it can be realized in the form of a printer including a liquid container, a liquid supply system including the liquid container and the printer, and the like.

It is a perspective view which shows the schematic structure of the liquid supply system in 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view of a holder. It is a perspective view of a holder. It is a top view which saw the holder from the + Z direction side. It is a top view of the holder in the state which one cartridge is attached. It is a perspective view of a cartridge. It is a perspective view of a cartridge. It is a front view of a cartridge. It is a rear view of a cartridge. It is a left side view of a cartridge. It is a right side view of a cartridge. It is a top view of a cartridge. It is a bottom view of a cartridge. It is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge. It is a front view of the main body member. It is a perspective view of the main body member. It is a perspective view of the vicinity of the second containment chamber. It is a figure which looked at the 2nd flow path from the + Z direction. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIX-XIX in FIG. It is a figure which shows the flow path cross-sectional shape of the communication port formed in the partition wall. It is a figure which shows the flow path cross-sectional shape of a connection part. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the operation of an atmospheric valve. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the operation of an atmospheric valve. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the operation of an atmospheric valve. It is a figure which shows the flow path cross-sectional shape of the communication port in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flow path cross-sectional shape of the communication port in 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flow path cross-sectional shape of the communication port in 4th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the liquid supply unit in 5th Embodiment.

A. First Embodiment:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the liquid supply system 100 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, XYZ axes orthogonal to each other are drawn. The XYZ axes in FIG. 1 also correspond to the XYZ axes in other figures. The liquid supply system 100 includes a cartridge 120 as a liquid container and a printer 150 as a liquid injection device. In the liquid supply system 100, the cartridge 120 can be attached to the carriage 520 of the printer 150 by the user. In this embodiment, "liquid" means ink.

The cartridge 120 of the liquid supply system 100 houses ink as a printing material (liquid) inside. The ink contained in the cartridge 120 is supplied to the liquid injection head 540 via the liquid supply port and the liquid introduction portion described later. In the present embodiment, a plurality of cartridges 120 are detachably attached to the holder 560 of the printer 150. Each cartridge 120 contains different types of ink from each other. The type of ink to be stored and the number of cartridges 120 can be arbitrarily changed.

The printer 150 is a small inkjet printer for individuals. The printer 150 includes a control unit 510 and a carriage 520. The carriage 520 includes a liquid injection head 540 and a holder 560. The printer 150 distributes ink from the cartridge 120 mounted on the holder 560 to the liquid injection head 540 via a liquid introduction unit described later, and ejects ink from the liquid injection head 540 to a printing medium such as paper or a label ( Supply). As a result, characters, figures, images, and the like are printed on the print medium using the liquid injection head 540.

The control unit 510 of the printer 150 controls each unit of the printer 150. The carriage 520 of the printer 150 is configured to move the liquid injection head 540 relative to the print medium. The liquid injection head 540 of the printer 150 includes a liquid ejection mechanism that ejects the liquid contained in the cartridge 120 to the printing medium. The control unit 510 and the carriage 520 are electrically connected via a flexible cable 517, and the liquid discharge mechanism of the liquid injection head 540 operates based on a control signal from the control unit 510.

In this embodiment, the carriage 520 is provided with a holder 560 together with a liquid injection head 540. As described above, the type of the printer 150 in which the cartridge 120 is mounted on the holder 560 on the carriage 520 for moving the liquid injection head 540 is also referred to as an "on-carriage type". In another embodiment, a stationary immovable holder 560 is configured in a portion different from the carriage 520, and ink from the cartridge 120 mounted on the holder 560 is injected into the liquid injection head 540 of the carriage 520 via a flexible tube. May be supplied to. Such printer types are also referred to as "off-carriage types."

The printer 150 includes a main scan feed mechanism and a sub scan feed mechanism for relatively moving the carriage 520 and the print medium to realize printing on the print medium. The main scanning feed mechanism of the printer 150 includes a carriage motor and a drive belt, and transfers the power of the carriage motor to the carriage 520 via the drive belt to reciprocate the carriage 520 in the main scanning direction. The sub-scanning feed mechanism of the printer 150 includes a transport motor and a platen, and by transmitting the power of the transport motor to the platen, the print medium is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. The carriage motor of the main scanning feed mechanism and the transport motor of the sub-scanning feed mechanism operate based on the control signal from the control unit 510.

In the present embodiment, in the usage state (also referred to as “use posture”) of the liquid supply system 100, the axis along the main scanning direction (left-right direction) for reciprocating the carriage 520 is defined as the X-axis to convey the print medium. The axis along the sub-scanning direction (front-back direction) is the Y-axis, and the axis along the gravity direction (vertical direction) is the Z-axis. Here, the usage state of the liquid supply system 100 is a state of the liquid supply system 100 installed on a horizontal surface, and the horizontal surface is a plane parallel to the X-axis and the Y-axis (XY plane). The sub-scanning direction (forward direction) is the + Y direction, the opposite direction (rear direction) is the -Y direction, the direction from the lower side to the upper side (upward direction) in the gravity direction is the + Z direction, and the reverse direction (downward direction) is the + Z direction. -Z direction. Further, the + Y direction side (front side) is the front surface of the liquid supply system 100. In the present embodiment, the direction from the left side surface to the right side surface of the liquid supply system 100 is the + X direction (right direction), and the opposite direction is the −X direction (left direction). The direction along the X axis (horizontal direction), that is, the direction in which the carriage 520 reciprocates is also referred to as "X direction", and the direction along the Z axis (vertical direction) is also referred to as "Z direction". In the present embodiment, the arrangement direction of the cartridges 120 mounted on the holder 560 is the Y direction. That is, in the carriage 520, the cartridges 120 are arranged in a direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the direction in which the carriage 520 moves (X direction).

2 and 3 are perspective views of the holder 560, and FIG. 4 is a plan view of the holder 560 as viewed from the + Z direction side. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the holder 560 in a state where one cartridge 120 is mounted.

The holder 560 has five wall portions 601,603,604,605,606. The recess formed by these five wall portions serves as a cartridge storage chamber 602 (also referred to as a "cartridge mounting portion 602"). Hereinafter, the wall portion 601 is also referred to as a bottom portion 601. The cartridge storage chamber 602 is divided by a partition plate 607 into a plurality of slots (mounting spaces) in which the cartridge 120 can be accommodated. The partition plate 607 functions as a guide when inserting the cartridge 120 into the slot. Each slot is provided with a liquid introduction section 640, a seat member 648, an electrode section 661, a lever 680, a positioning protrusion 610, and a device-side regulation section 620 (FIG. 3). The device-side regulating portion 620 is a hole formed in the side wall 604 of the holder 560. One side surface (+ Z direction side surface; upper surface) of each slot is open, and the cartridge 120 is attached to and detached from the holder 560 via the opened one side surface (upper surface). The liquid introduction portion 640 is provided so as to be sandwiched between the two partition plates 607.

The positioning protrusion 610 is a member of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped protruding from the bottom portion 601 in the + Z direction. The positioning protrusion 610 is inserted into a positioning portion (described later) provided on the cartridge 120. The positioning protrusion 610 is inclined so that the surface of the tip portion on the + X direction side and the surface on the −X direction side are closer to each other so that the cartridge 120 can be easily inserted into the positioning portion.

The cartridge 120 is locked by the lever 680 and the device-side regulating portion 620, and is mounted on the holder 560 in a state where the liquid supply port described later is connected to the liquid introduction portion 640. This state is also referred to as "a state in which the cartridge is mounted in the holder 560" or "a state in which the cartridge is mounted". In the mounted state, the terminal group provided on the circuit board (described later) of the cartridge 120 and the electrode portion 661 are electrically connected, and various information can be transmitted between the cartridge 120 and the printer 150. Become.

The liquid introduction unit 640 (FIG. 3) is connected to the liquid supply port of the cartridge 120 in the mounted state, so that the liquid contained in the cartridge 120 flows to the liquid injection head 540 that communicates with the liquid introduction unit 640. Let me. The liquid introduction portion 640 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and has a tip portion 642 located on the + Z axis side and a base end portion 645 located on the −Z axis side. The base end portion 645 is provided on the bottom portion 601. The tip 642 is connected to the liquid supply port of the cartridge 120. The tip portion 642 is provided with a device-side filter 643. From the liquid supply port of the cartridge 120, the liquid flows into the liquid introduction unit 640 through the device-side filter 643. The device-side filter 643 is formed of, for example, a porous member such as a metal mesh, a metal non-woven fabric, or a resin filter. The central axis C of the liquid introduction portion 640 is parallel to the Z axis. The direction from the base end portion 645 to the tip end portion 642 along the central axis C is the + Z direction.

A sheet member 648 surrounding the liquid introduction portion 640 is provided around the base end portion 645 of the liquid introduction portion 640. The sheet member 648 is formed of, for example, elastic rubber. The seat member 648 seals around the liquid supply port of the cartridge 120 in the mounted state. As a result, the sheet member 648 prevents the liquid from leaking to the surroundings from the liquid supply port. In the mounted state, the seat member 648 applies an urging force containing a component in the + Z direction to the cartridge 120.

6 and 7 are perspective views of the cartridge 120, and FIGS. 8 to 13 are six views (front view, rear view, left side view, right side view, plan view, and bottom view) of the cartridge 120. Is. The cartridge 120 is a so-called semi-sealed type cartridge that intermittently introduces external air into the inside as the liquid is consumed.

The cartridge 120 has seven wall portions 201-207. These walls form the outer shell 200 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape of the cartridge 120. The seven wall portions include a first wall portion 201 (bottom wall 201), a second wall portion 202 (upper wall 202), a third wall portion 203 (third side wall 203), and a fourth wall portion 204 (third wall portion 204). It is composed of a fourth wall portion 204), a fifth wall portion 205 (first side wall 205), a sixth wall portion 206 (second side wall 206), and a seventh wall portion 207 (sloping wall 207).

In the following description, "intersecting" or "intersecting" two walls means a state in which the two walls intersect with each other and a state in which the two walls intersect with each other when one wall is extended. And, it means that it is in one of the states where each wall is extended and intersects. Further, "opposing" the two wall portions means that both the case where another object does not exist and the case where another object exists between the two wall portions are included.

The outer surface of each wall portion 201 to 207 is substantially flat. The generally flat surface includes a case where the entire surface is completely flat and a case where a part of the surface has irregularities. That is, the case where the surface or wall constituting the outer shell 200 of the cartridge 120 can be grasped even if a part of the surface has some unevenness is included. The outer shape of the first wall portion 2001 to the seventh wall portion 207 in a plan view (state in which each wall portion is observed from the normal direction) is rectangular except for the fifth wall portion 205 and the sixth wall portion 206. Is. In the present embodiment, the first wall portion 201 to the seventh wall portion 207 may be the outer surface of an assembly in which a plurality of members are assembled. In the present embodiment, the first wall portion 201 to the seventh wall portion 207 are plate-shaped. In another embodiment, a part of the first wall portion 201 to the seventh wall portion 207 may be formed of a film-like (thin film-like) or sheet-like member. The first wall portion 201 to the seventh wall portion 207 are formed of, for example, a synthetic resin such as polyacetal (POM).

The first wall portion 201 (bottom wall) and the second wall portion 202 (upper wall) are wall portions parallel to the X-axis and the Y-axis, and face each other in the Z direction intersecting the X direction. The first wall portion 201 is located on the −Z direction side, and the second wall portion 202 is located on the + Z direction side. The first wall portion 201 and the second wall portion 202 are in a positional relationship intersecting with the third wall portion 203, the fourth wall portion 204, the fifth wall portion 205, and the sixth wall portion 206. In the present embodiment, with the cartridge 120 mounted on the holder 560, the first wall portion 201 constitutes the bottom surface of the cartridge 120, and the second wall portion 202 constitutes the upper surface of the cartridge 120. The first wall portion 201 (FIG. 13) is provided with a liquid supply port 280, an outer peripheral wall 288, and a positioning portion 130. The liquid supply port 280 is connected to the liquid introduction portion 640 (FIG. 4) of the holder 560. The positioning unit 130 has a function of positioning the cartridge 120 in the Y direction by engaging with the positioning projection 610 (FIG. 4) of the holder 560. An air hole 132 is formed inside the outer peripheral wall 288. The air hole 132 is an opening for communicating the closed space in the outer peripheral wall 288 with the outside. In the mounted state, the air hole 132 communicates the closed space inside the outer peripheral wall 288 with the outside (outside air), so that the pressure difference between the closed space and the outside is maintained substantially constant. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid from leaking from the liquid supply port 280 due to the pressure fluctuation in the closed space.

The third wall portion 203 (third side wall) and the fourth wall portion 204 (fourth side wall) are wall portions parallel to the Y-axis and the Z-axis, and face each other in the X direction. The third wall portion 203 is located on the −X direction side, and the fourth wall portion 204 is located on the + X direction side. The third wall portion 203 intersects the first wall portion 201 and the second wall portion 202. The fourth wall portion 204 intersects the first wall portion 201 and the second wall portion 202 and faces the third wall portion 203. In the present embodiment, when the cartridge 120 is mounted on the carriage 520, the moving direction X of the carriage 520 is along the direction from the third wall portion 203 to the fourth wall portion 204. A protrusion-shaped first cartridge-side regulating portion 210 is formed on the fourth wall portion 204 (FIG. 11). The first cartridge-side restricting portion 210 is locked by the lever 680 in the mounted state. A protrusion-shaped second cartridge-side regulating portion 221 is formed on the third wall portion 203 (FIG. 10). The second cartridge-side restricting portion 221 is a protrusion that protrudes from the third wall portion 203 in the −X direction and is engageable with the device-side restricting portion 620 (FIG. 3) of the carriage 520. The device-side regulating portion 620 is a hole formed in the side wall 604 of the holder 560. In the mounted state, the second cartridge-side restricting unit 221 is inserted into and locked into the device-side restricting unit 620. That is, in the mounted state, the cartridge 120 is fixed to the holder 560 by locking the cartridge 120 on both sides in the X direction by the lever 680 of the holder 560 and the device-side regulating portion 620.

The fifth wall portion 205 (first side wall) and the sixth wall portion 206 (second side wall) are wall portions parallel to the X-axis and the Z-axis, and face each other in the X-direction and the Y-direction intersecting the Z-direction. The fifth wall portion 205 intersects the first wall portion 201, the second wall portion 202, the third wall portion 203, and the fourth wall portion 204. The sixth wall portion 206 intersects the first wall portion 201, the second wall portion 202, the third wall portion 203, and the fourth wall portion 204, and faces the fifth wall portion 205. The sixth wall portion 206 (FIG. 8) is formed with an opening 290 for introducing air into the cartridge 120.

The seventh wall portion 207 (FIG. 7) is an inclined wall connecting the first wall portion 201 and the fourth wall portion 204. The seventh wall portion 207 intersects the fifth wall portion 205 and the sixth wall portion 206, and is located between the first wall portion 201 and the fourth wall portion 204. A contact portion 116 capable of contacting the electrode portion 661 of the printer 150 is formed on the seventh wall portion 207. In the present embodiment, the contact portion 116 is formed on the substrate 115 provided on the seventh wall portion 207. That is, the substrate 115 has a plurality of contact portions 116 that come into contact with the electrode portions 661 provided on the holder 560 in the mounted state. More specifically, the contact portion 116 is a region in the electrode terminals provided on the surface of the substrate 115 that comes into contact with the electrode portion 661. In the present embodiment, the plurality of contact portions 116 (FIG. 13) form two rows arranged along the Y direction and spaced apart from each other in the X direction when viewed from the −Z direction. A storage device (described later) for storing various information of the cartridge 120 is provided on the back surface of the substrate 115. In this storage device, for example, information indicating the remaining amount of ink and the color of ink is stored. When the electrode unit 661 provided on the holder 560 comes into contact with the contact unit 116, the control unit 510 provided on the printer 150 can read various information from the storage device provided on the cartridge 120 through the flexible cable 517.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge 120. The cartridge 120 includes a main body member 301 and a front side lid member 305. The main body member 301 is configured as a box-shaped member having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with an opening on the + Y direction side. The main body member 301 constitutes a first wall portion 201, a second wall portion 202, a third wall portion 203, a fourth wall portion 204, and a fifth wall portion 205. On the other hand, the lid member 305 constitutes the sixth wall portion 206. The main body member 301 is provided with a partition wall 330 inside. The partition wall 330 allows the liquid storage space in the main body member 301 to be the first storage chamber 310 on the + Z direction side, which is the upper wall 202 side in the Z direction, and the −Z direction side, which is the bottom wall 201 side in the Z direction. It is divided into the second storage room 320. The first accommodation room 310 is also referred to as a "main accommodation room", and the second accommodation room 320 is also referred to as a "secondary accommodation room". In the unused state of the cartridge 120, ink is contained in the first storage chamber 310 and the second storage chamber 320. The first accommodation chamber 310 and the second accommodation chamber 320 are communicated with each other by a communication port 361 that communicates the first accommodation chamber 310 and the second accommodation chamber 320. The communication port 361 is provided on the partition wall 330. The second storage chamber 320 is connected to the liquid supply port 280. The first storage chamber 310 is connected to the liquid supply port 280 via the communication port 361 and the second storage chamber 320. In the present embodiment, the space volume in the second storage chamber 320 is larger than the space volume in the first storage chamber 310. In another embodiment, the space volume in the second storage chamber 320 may be smaller than the space volume in the first storage chamber 310.

The cartridge 120 of the present embodiment further includes a flexible sheet member 291 as a member constituting the liquid storage space together with the main body member 301. The sheet member 291 is a thin film having liquid impermeableness, airtightness, and flexibility. The sheet member 291 is joined to the main body member 301 by adhesion or welding to partition the first storage chamber 310 and the second storage chamber 320 together with the main body member 301. The seat member 291 is sized so as to be able to cover various flow paths formed below the first accommodation chamber 310, the second accommodation chamber 320, and the second accommodation chamber 320. As described above, a part of the outer wall of the first accommodation chamber 310 and the second accommodation chamber 320 is formed by the seat member 291.

The lid member 305 is attached to the main body member 301 so as to cover the seat member 291. The main body member 301 and the lid member 305 are made of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene. The sheet member 291 is formed of a synthetic resin such as a composite material containing nylon and polypropylene.

A pressure receiving plate 293 as a plate-shaped member is arranged inside the first accommodation chamber 310. One surface of the pressure receiving plate 293 comes into contact with the seat member 291. And the other surface of the pressure receiving plate 293 (the surface on the -Y direction side) between the fifth wall portion 20 5, the coil spring 294 as an urging member is disposed. A recess 332 that receives the coil spring 294 is formed in the center of the inner surface of the fifth wall portion 205. The coil spring 294 urges the pressure receiving plate 293 from the fifth wall portion 205 toward the sixth wall portion 206. In other words, the coil spring 294 urges the sheet member 291 through the pressure receiving plate 293 in a direction to increase the volume of the first storage chamber 310. Due to the urging force of the coil spring 294, the pressure in the first accommodation chamber 310 is maintained at a pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure (negative pressure). The coil spring 294 has a truncated cone-shaped outer shape, but a coil spring 294 having a cylindrical outer shape may be used.

Inside the first accommodation chamber 310, an air valve 140 for introducing the atmosphere into the first accommodation chamber 310 is further arranged. The atmospheric valve 140 includes a valve seat 146, a valve body member 144, and a coil spring 142. The valve body member 144 is pressed against the valve seat 146 by the coil spring 142, and closes the atmosphere introduction port 147, which is a through hole formed in the valve seat 146. The valve body member 144 includes a valve body portion 143 that can open and close the atmosphere introduction port 147, and a lever portion 149 that moves the valve body portion 143 by abutting against the pressure receiving plate 293. The valve seat 146 is housed in a corner portion of the main body member 301 where the second wall portion 202 and the fourth wall portion 204 intersect, and is attached to the main body member 301. The valve seat 146 has a recess, and the seat member 291 is airtightly attached to the end face forming the opening of the recess. The recess of the valve seat 146 communicates with the through hole 296 of the seat member 291. Further, at the bottom of the recess of the valve seat 146, an atmosphere introduction port 147 penetrating to the back side of the valve seat 146 is formed. The atmosphere inlet 147 communicates with the first accommodation chamber 310. That is, the atmosphere introduction port 147 is provided in the first accommodation chamber 310. The atmosphere introduction port 147 is for introducing the atmosphere into the first accommodation chamber 310 from the outside of the first accommodation chamber 310. The valve body portion 143 of the valve body member 144 is pressed against the valve seat 146 by the coil spring 142 and closes the atmosphere introduction port 147. The lever portion 149 of the valve body member 144 is pushed by the pressure receiving plate 293 when the pressure receiving plate 293 moves in the −Y direction. As will be described later, when the lever portion 149 is pushed by the pressure receiving plate 293, the states of the valve body portion 143 and the valve seat 146 change from the valve closed state to the valve open state accordingly.

A leaf spring 135, a liquid-permeable porous member 134 (for example, a resin foam), and a cartridge-side filter 136 are sequentially fitted into the liquid supply port 280 provided on the bottom surface of the main body member 301. The cartridge-side filter 136 supplies the liquid to the liquid introduction section 640 in contact with the liquid introduction section 640 (FIG. 4) of the holder 560.

A substrate 115 having a storage device 118 is fixed to the seventh wall portion 207 of the main body member 301. A label 125 may be affixed to the outer surface of the second wall portion 202 of the main body member 301. On the label 125, for example, the manufacturer and model number of the cartridge 120 are displayed. The position where the label 125 is attached is arbitrary. For example, it may be attached to any one of the second wall portion 202, the third wall portion 203, the fourth wall portion 204, the fifth wall portion 205, and the sixth wall portion 206, or two or more. It may be affixed over the wall of the wall.

FIG. 15 is a front view of the main body member 301. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the main body member 301. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the second accommodation chamber 320. FIG. 18 is a view of the second flow path 324 as viewed from the + Z direction. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIX-XIX in FIG.

In FIG. 15, the thick alternate long and short dash arrow indicates the path through which the ink flows. A first accommodation chamber 310 is formed on the + Z direction side of the partition wall 330 of the main body member 301. The first accommodation chamber 310 includes an inner surface of the second wall portion 202, an inner surface of the third wall portion 203, an inner surface of the fourth wall portion 204, an inner surface of the fifth wall portion 205, and an upper surface of the partition wall 330. It is a space with a substantially rectangular cross section surrounded by. The + Y direction side of the first storage chamber 310 is sealed by the seat member 291 (FIG. 14). A communication port 361 for communicating the first accommodation chamber 310 and the second accommodation chamber 320 is provided at a position closer to the third wall portion 203 than the fourth wall portion 204 in the bottom of the first accommodation chamber 310. There is. The communication port 361 is an opening provided in the partition wall 330. The ink moves from the first storage chamber 310 to the second storage chamber 320 located below the first storage chamber 310 (on the −Z direction side) via the communication port 361.

The second storage chamber 320 includes a folded flow path 321 in which the flow path is folded back along the X direction. The turned-back channel 321, the second storage chamber 320, a plurality of flow paths along the X direction department parallel in the Z direction. The width of the folded flow path 321 along the X direction is larger than the width of the liquid supply port 280 along the X direction. The ink in the first storage chamber 310 is led out from the communication port 361 to the liquid supply port 280 via the return flow path 321. In the present embodiment, the folded flow path 321 has a first flow path 323 in which ink flows from the third wall portion 203 side to the fourth wall portion 204 side, and the fourth wall portion 204 side to the third wall portion 203 side. It includes a second flow path 324 through which ink flows toward. The first flow path 323 communicates with the first accommodation chamber 310 through the communication port 361. The second flow path 324 is located on the lower side (−Z direction side) of the first flow path 323. The width of the first flow path 323 and the second flow path 324 along the Z direction, that is, the height of the flow path is 2 to 3 mm. The first flow path 323 and the second flow path 324 are connected in the vertical direction (Z direction) near the ends of the respective first wall portions 201 on the + X direction side. The portion where the first flow path 323 and the second flow path 324 are connected is referred to as a connection portion 326. Hereinafter, the side of the folded flow path 321 close to the first storage chamber 310 will be referred to as the upstream side, and the side close to the liquid supply port 280 will be referred to as the downstream side.

In the present embodiment, the second storage chamber 320 includes a bubble storage unit 325. The bubble storage portion 325 has a space 325s located on the + Z direction side with respect to the folded flow path 321. Bubbles can be stored in the space inside the bubble storage unit 325 including the space 325s. The bubble storage unit 325 is connected to the folded flow path 321 in the middle of the folded flow path 321. The bubble storage portion 325 is preferably connected to the folded flow path 321 at a position far from the upstream end and the downstream end of the folded flow path 321. In the present embodiment, the bubble storage unit 325 is connected to the connection unit 326 to which the first flow path 323 and the second flow path 324 are connected. The bubble storage portion 325 extends diagonally upward from the connection portion 326 on the side opposite to the folded flow path 321. The upper surface of the bubble storage portion 325 is formed by the partition wall 330, and the lower surface is formed by the seventh wall portion 207.

In the present embodiment, the wall 331 (hereinafter referred to as an intermediate wall 331) forming the upper surface of the second flow path 324, which is the most downstream side of the folded flow path 321, is directed from the downstream side to the upstream side. Includes a portion that inclines toward the + Z direction. The intermediate wall 331 may be entirely inclined or may include a non-inclined portion. Further, the partition wall 330 forms the upper surface of the first flow path 323, which is the most upstream side of the folded flow path 321 and is inclined in the + Z direction from the downstream side to the upstream side. Includes. As described above, in the present embodiment, the partition wall 330 and the intermediate wall 331 constituting the folded flow path 321 have opposite inclinations. Therefore, when the downstream side of the inclined portion of the partition wall 330 constituting the folded flow path 321 and the upstream side of the inclined portion of the intermediate wall 331 are extended along the respective inclinations, they have a crossing relationship.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 16 to 19, a third flow path 327 and a fourth flow path 328 are provided between the second storage chamber 320 and the liquid supply port 280. The third flow path 327 is a flow path for sending ink from the second storage chamber 320 to the liquid supply port 280. The fourth flow path 328 is a flow path for delivering air from the liquid supply port 280 to the second storage chamber 320. In the present embodiment, the fourth flow path 328 is provided on the upstream side of the third flow path 327. Further, in the present embodiment, the fourth flow path 328 is provided at a position closer to the connection portion 326 than the third flow path 327. That is, in the present embodiment, the fourth flow path 328 is provided at a position closer to the bubble storage portion 325 than the third flow path 327. Although the third flow path 327 is provided for sending ink, air may flow inside. The fourth flow path 328 is provided for sending air, but ink may flow inside.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15, 17 to 19, a convex portion 205t protruding toward the sixth wall portion 206 is formed on the inner surface (the surface on the + Y direction side) of the fifth wall portion 205. Protrusions 205t extends from the lower surface of the partition wall 330 in the Z direction to the bottom surface of the second flow path 32 4. The convex portion 205t is located at the boundary between the bubble storage portion 325 and the folded flow path 321. The height of the convex portion 205t differs between the upper portion and the lower portion in the + Y direction from the fifth wall portion 205. Specifically, the height of the upper portion facing the first flow path 323 in the X direction is higher than the height of the lower portion facing the second flow path 324 in the X direction. The height of the convex portion 205t in the + Y direction may be constant.

In the present embodiment, in the connection portion 326 between the first flow path 323 and the second flow path 324, a step 329 extending in the direction from the upper wall 202 to the bottom wall 201 is formed on the inner surface of the first side wall 205. .. That is, in the connecting portion 326, a step 329 is formed on the inner surface of the first side wall 205 along the direction of gravity. The step 329 is also a corner portion of the base end of the convex portion 205t in the Y direction. The ink passing through the first flow path 323 can flow through the step 329 to the second flow path 324. The step 329 may be provided independently of the convex portion 205t.

As shown in FIG. 15, the ink in the first storage chamber 310 is led out from the communication port 361 to the liquid supply port 280 via the folding flow path 321. More specifically, the ink in the first storage chamber 310 first flows into the turn-back flow path 321 of the second storage chamber 320 through the communication port 361 at the bottom of the first storage chamber 310, and the turn-back flow path 321 After passing through the first flow path 323 and the second flow path 324, the liquid is led out to the liquid supply port 280 via the third flow path 327. Then, the ink reaches the liquid introduction portion 640 provided in the holder 560 (FIG. 4) from the liquid supply port 280. A part of the ink may be led out to the liquid supply port 280 through the fourth flow path 328.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional shape of the flow path of the communication port 361 formed in the partition wall 330. In the present embodiment, the shape of the flow path cross section of the communication port 361 includes at least the first polygon 371 and the second polygon 372 when viewed from the Z direction. The areas of the first polygon 371 and the second polygon 372 are different, and in the present embodiment, the area of the first polygon 371 is larger than the area of the second polygon 372. The first polygon 371 and the second polygon 372 are in contact with each other on a straight line L1 along the Y direction. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the flow path of the communication port 361 is a shape formed by combining polygons having different areas. The first polygon 371 and the second polygon 372, both in the present embodiment is a square, a substantially square shape. The first polygon 371 and the second polygon 372 are not limited to a quadrangle, and may be other polygons such as a triangle and a pentagon.

In the present embodiment, the second polygon 372 having a small area is arranged so as to be in contact with the third wall portion 203 and the sixth wall portion 206 (more specifically, the seat member 291), and the first polygon 371 is arranged. Is arranged on the fourth wall portion 204 side of the second polygon 372 so as to be in contact with the second polygon 372 and the sixth wall portion 206 (more specifically, the seat member 291). In the present embodiment, the first polygon 371 and the second polygon 372 are arranged in the X direction and are connected to each other to form one figure. In the present embodiment, the figure composed of the first polygon 371 and the second polygon 372 is a concave polygon in which the size of at least one internal angle exceeds 180 degrees.

The area of the first polygon 371 is such that bubbles can flow from the second storage chamber 320 side to the first storage chamber 310 side through the first polygon 371. The area of the second polygon 372 is such that ink can be distributed from the first storage chamber 310 side to the second storage chamber 320 through the second polygon 372. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the flow path of the communication port 361 is such that ink and air bubbles can flow at the same time (air-liquid exchange is possible).

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional shape of the flow path of the connecting portion 326. In the present embodiment, when the connection portion 326 of the first flow path 323 and the second flow path 324 is viewed from the Z direction, the shape of the flow path cross section of the connection portion 326 is at least the third polygon 373 and the fourth. Includes polygon 374. The area of the third polygon 373 and the area of the fourth polygon 374 are different. In the present embodiment, the area of the third polygon 373 is larger than the area of the fourth polygon 374. big. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the flow path of the connecting portion 326 is a shape formed by combining polygons having different areas. The third polygon 373 and the fourth polygon 374 are both quadrangles in the present embodiment, and are substantially rectangular. The third polygon 373 and the fourth polygon 374 are not limited to a quadrangle, and may be other polygons such as a triangle and a pentagon.

The fourth polygon 374 is along the + X direction end of the partition wall 330, the fifth wall 205, the −X direction surface of the convex portion 205t, and the + Y direction side surface of the convex portion 205t. It is partitioned by a straight line L2. The third polygon 373 is a straight line along the + X direction end of the partition wall 330, the sixth wall 206 (more specifically, the seat member 291), and the + Y direction surface of the convex portion 205t. It is partitioned by L2 and a straight line L3 along the surface of the convex portion 205t on the + X direction side. In this embodiment, the step 329 constitutes one corner of the fourth polygon 374.

In the present embodiment, the fourth polygon 374 having a smaller area is arranged so as to be in contact with the fifth wall portion 205, and the third polygon 373 is arranged so as to be in contact with the fourth polygon 374. It is arranged between the polygon 374 and the sixth wall portion 206. In the present embodiment, the third polygon 373 and the fourth polygon 374 are arranged in the Y direction and are connected to each other to form one figure. In the present embodiment, the figure composed of the third polygon 373 and the fourth polygon 374 is a concave polygon in which the size of at least one internal angle exceeds 180 degrees.

The area of the third polygon 373 is such that bubbles can flow from the first flow path 323 to the second flow path 324 through the third polygon 373. The area of the fourth polygon 374, the ink in the second flow path 324 from the first flow path 323 through the fourth polygon 37 4 is the area of the extent can flow. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the flow path of the connection portion 326 is such that ink and air bubbles can flow at the same time (air-liquid exchange is possible).

22 to 24 are schematic views for explaining the operation of the atmospheric valve 140 provided in the first storage chamber 310 of the cartridge 120. The lid member 305 is provided with an opening 290. The first accommodation chamber 310 is partitioned by a main body member 301 and a seat member 291. Further, an air chamber 241 is formed between the lid member 305 and the seat member 291. The air chamber 241 communicates with the outside atmosphere through the opening 290 provided in the lid member 305. Further, the air chamber 241 communicates with an air hole 132 (FIG. 13) provided in the bottom wall 201 of the cartridge 120. A pressure receiving plate 293 and a coil spring 294 are arranged inside the seat member 291. The coil spring 294 urges the pressure receiving plate 293 and the seat member 291 in the direction of expanding the volume of the first accommodation chamber 310. Due to the urging force of the coil spring 294, the pressure in the first accommodation chamber 310 is maintained at a pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure (negative pressure).

The atmosphere is introduced into the first accommodation chamber 310 at a predetermined timing through the opening 290, the air chamber 241 and the atmosphere introduction port 147. The atmosphere inlet 147 is a communication hole that communicates the first accommodation chamber 310 and the air chamber 241. By introducing the atmosphere from the atmosphere introduction port 147, the pressure state in the first accommodation chamber 310 becomes good. The atmospheric valve 140 is a valve mechanism for opening and closing the atmospheric introduction port 147. The atmospheric valve 140 includes a valve seat 146, a valve body member 144, and a coil spring 142. The valve body member 144 is pressed against the valve seat 146 by the coil spring 142, and closes the atmosphere introduction port 147, which is a through hole formed in the valve seat 146. The valve body member 144 includes a valve body portion 143 that can open and close the atmosphere introduction port 147, and a lever portion 149 that moves the valve body portion 143 by abutting against the pressure receiving plate 293.

In the initial state (unused state) of the cartridge 120, the first storage chamber 310 is filled with ink. At this time, as shown in FIG. 22, the pressure receiving plate 293 is located closest to the lid member 305. As shown in FIG. 23, when the liquid in the first storage chamber 310 is consumed and the pressure receiving plate 293 approaches the fifth wall portion 205 side, the pressure receiving plate 293 pushes the lever portion 149 toward the fifth wall portion 205 side. As a result, the valve body portion 143 is separated from the atmosphere inlet 147. That is, the valve body member 144 is in the valve open state. Then, the outside air flows into the first accommodation chamber 310 through the opening 290, the air chamber 241 and the atmosphere introduction port 147. As a result, as shown in FIG. 24, the volume of the first accommodation chamber 310 increases by the amount of air introduced. At the same time, the negative pressure in the first accommodation chamber 310 becomes smaller and approaches the atmospheric pressure. Then, when a certain amount of air is introduced into the first accommodation chamber 310, the pressure receiving plate 293 separates from the lever portion 149. As a result, the valve body portion 143 closes the atmosphere inlet 147 again. That is, the valve body member 144 is in the closed state. As described above, when the negative pressure in the first storage chamber 310 increases with the consumption of ink, the valve body member 144 is temporarily opened, so that the pressure in the first storage chamber 310 is appropriate. It is possible to maintain the pressure range. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the negative pressure in the first storage chamber 310 from becoming too large and the liquid from being supplied from the liquid supply port 280.

In the cartridge 120, the atmospheric valve 140 may be omitted. In this case, the opening 290 may be provided not in the lid member 305 but in the upper wall 202 (FIG. 15) so that the atmosphere can be directly introduced into the first storage chamber 310 from the opening 290. Further, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the opening 290 is omitted so that the atmosphere is not introduced into the first accommodation chamber 310.

According to the cartridge 120 of the present embodiment described above, the first storage chamber 310 and the second storage chamber 320 are partitioned by a partition wall 330, and are connected only by the communication port 361. Therefore, even if the ink undulates in the first accommodation chamber 310 and bubbles are generated due to the reciprocating movement of the carriage 520 or the like, it is possible to suppress the bubbles from entering the second accommodation chamber 320. Further, in the present embodiment, the second accommodating chamber 320 includes the folded-back flow path 321 and the folded-back flow path 321 is folded back along the X direction, which is the moving direction of the carriage 520. Therefore, the height of the flow path constituting the folded flow path 321 can be suppressed, and as a result, the ink shake is suppressed in the second storage chamber 320. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink from rippling and generating bubbles in the second storage chamber 320. Further, in the present embodiment, the ink in the first storage chamber 310 is guided to the liquid supply port 280 via the folded flow path 321. Therefore, after the ink leaves the first storage chamber 310, the ink is sent to the liquid supply port 280. The time to reach can be lengthened. Therefore, even if bubbles are mixed in the ink flowing from the first storage chamber 310 to the second storage chamber 320, there is a high possibility that the bubbles will disappear spontaneously before reaching the liquid supply port 280. There is also a high possibility that the bubbles will coalesce and ascend to the first storage chamber 310 or the bubble storage section 325. That is, according to the cartridge 120 of the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the possibility that air bubbles are mixed in the ink supplied from the cartridge 120 to the printer 150.

Further, in the present embodiment, the shape of the flow path cross section of the communication port 361 that communicates the first accommodation chamber 310 and the second accommodation chamber 320 is different from the first polygon 371 and the second polygon 372 having different areas. including. Therefore, for example, ink flows through the first polygon 371 side having a small area, and bubbles pass through the second polygon 372 side having a large area, so that gas-liquid exchange is promoted at the communication port 361. Therefore, it becomes difficult for bubbles to reach the liquid supply port 280, and the possibility that bubbles are mixed in the ink supplied from the cartridge 120 can be more effectively reduced. Further, in the present embodiment, since the cross section of the flow path of the communication port 361 is formed by a polygon, a corner portion is formed in the cross section of the flow path. Therefore, the ink concentrates on the corners due to the capillary phenomenon, and the ink easily flows through the communication port 361. Further, since the cross section of the flow path of the communication port 361 is formed by a polygon, it is easier for bubbles to pass through than when the cross section of the flow path is formed in a circular shape.

Further, in the present embodiment, of the first polygon 371 and the second polygon 372 constituting the flow path cross-sectional shape of the communication port 361, the second polygon 372 having a small area through which ink mainly flows is used. It is arranged on the wall surface (third wall portion 203) side. Therefore, as the ink travels along the wall surface, the ink easily flows through the communication port 361.

Further, in the present embodiment, the folded flow path 321 is arranged in the first flow path 323 in which the liquid flows from the third side wall 203 side toward the fourth side wall 204 side and from the fourth side wall 204 side to the third side wall 203 side. It includes a second flow path 324 through which the liquid flows toward it. Therefore, the flow path length of the folded flow path 321 can be lengthened. Therefore, there is a high possibility that bubbles will disappear in the folded flow path 321.

Further, in the present embodiment, the shapes of the cross sections of the flow paths when the connection portion 326 of the first flow path 323 and the second flow path 324 is viewed from the Z direction are the third polygons 373 and the fourth polygons having different areas. Includes polygon 374. Therefore, for example, the ink flows through the fourth polygon 374 side having a small area, and the bubbles pass through the third polygon 373 side having a large area, so that the first flow path 323 and the second flow path 324 become Gas-liquid exchange is also promoted at the connection portion 326. Therefore, it becomes difficult for bubbles to reach the liquid supply port 280, and the possibility that bubbles are mixed in the ink supplied from the cartridge 120 can be more effectively reduced. Further, in the present embodiment, since the cross section of the flow path of the connecting portion 326 is formed by a polygon, a corner portion is formed in the cross section of the flow path. Therefore, the ink is concentrated on the corner portion due to the capillary phenomenon, and the ink easily passes through the connection portion 326. Further, since the cross section of the flow path of the connecting portion 326 is formed by a polygon, it is easier for bubbles to pass through than when the cross section of the flow path is formed in a circular shape.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the connection portion 326 between the first flow path 323 and the second flow path 324, the connection portion 326 extends from the second wall portion 202 toward the first wall portion 201 on the inner surface of the fifth wall portion 205. A step 329 is formed. Therefore, the ink can flow through the step 329, and the ink easily flows from the first flow path 323 to the second flow path 324.

Further, in the present embodiment, the second storage chamber 320 and the liquid supply port 280 are connected by the third flow path 327 and the fourth flow path 328. Therefore, for example, even when ink is supplied from the liquid supply port 280 in a state where air is present at the connection portion between the liquid supply port 280 and the liquid introduction portion 640 (FIG. 4), the second storage chamber 320 and the liquid supply port 280 are also supplied. The gas-liquid exchange is promoted, and ink can be supplied from the third flow path 327 and at the same time air can be taken into the cartridge 120 from the fourth flow path 328. Therefore, the possibility that air bubbles are mixed in the ink supplied from the cartridge 120 can be effectively reduced.

Further, in the present embodiment, the fourth flow path 328 for air delivery is provided at a position closer to the bubble storage portion 325 than the third flow path 327 for ink delivery, so that the fourth flow path 328 is provided. The air bubbles sent out from the air bubble storage unit 325 can be efficiently captured.

Further, in the present embodiment, the intermediate wall 331 forming the upper surface of the most downstream flow path (second flow path 324) of the folded flow path 321 is inclined in the + Z direction from the downstream side to the upstream side. Includes the part to do. Therefore, the air bubbles in the second storage chamber 320 can be moved to the upstream side by utilizing the buoyancy.

Further, in the present embodiment, the partition wall 330 forms the upper surface of the most upstream side flow path (first flow path 323) of the folded flow path 321 and is in the + Z direction from the downstream side to the upstream side. Includes a part that slopes to the side. Therefore, the air bubbles in the second storage chamber 320 can be moved to the upstream side by utilizing the buoyancy.

Further, in the present embodiment, the space volume in the second storage chamber 320 is larger than the space volume in the first storage chamber 310. Therefore, the time for the bubbles in the second storage chamber 320 to move to the liquid supply port 280 becomes long, so that the bubbles may disappear naturally or the bubbles may coalesce and become large and discharged to the first storage chamber 310 side. It can increase the possibility of being done.

Further, in the present embodiment, the second accommodating chamber 320 has a space 325s located on the + Z direction side of the folded flow path 321 and includes a bubble storage unit 325 in which bubbles are stored in the space 325s. Therefore, the air bubbles in the second storage chamber 320 can be moved to the space 325s by utilizing the buoyancy.

Further, in the present embodiment, the space 325s is connected to the folding flow path 321 in the middle of the folding flow path 321. Therefore, air bubbles can be kept away from the first storage chamber 310 and the liquid supply port 280. Therefore, the possibility that air bubbles are mixed in the ink supplied from the cartridge 120 can be more effectively reduced.

B. Second embodiment:
FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional shape of the flow path of the communication port 361A in the second embodiment. The second embodiment and the first embodiment differ only in the configuration of the communication port of the cartridge 120, and the other configurations are the same. The communication port 361A in the present embodiment includes the first polygon 371 and the second polygon 372 when viewed from the Z direction, as in the first embodiment. However, in the present embodiment, the area of the second polygon 372 is larger than that of the first polygon 371, and the second polygon 372 is in contact with the entire inner surface of the third wall portion 203. Even with such a shape of the communication port 361, bubbles can pass through the first polygon 371 and ink can pass through the second polygon 372, so that the first storage chamber 310 and the second storage chamber 320 can pass through. It is possible to promote gas-liquid exchange with and.

C. Third embodiment:
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional shape of the flow path of the communication port 361B in the third embodiment. The third embodiment and the first embodiment differ only in the configuration of the communication port of the cartridge 120, and the other configurations are the same. The communication port 361B in the present embodiment includes the first polygon 371 and the second polygon 372 when viewed from the Z direction, as in the first embodiment and the second embodiment. However, in the present embodiment, the first polygon 371 and the second polygon 372 are separated. Even with such a configuration, bubbles can pass through the first polygon 371 and ink can pass through the second polygon 372, so that between the first storage chamber 310 and the second storage chamber 320. It is possible to promote gas-liquid exchange.

D. Fourth Embodiment:
FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional shape of the flow path of the communication port 361C in the fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment and the first embodiment differ only in the configuration of the communication port of the cartridge 120, and the other configurations are the same. The communication port 361C in the present embodiment includes the first polygon 371 and the second polygon 372 when viewed from the Z direction, as in the first embodiment. However, in the present embodiment, the first polygon 371 is a quadrangle and the second polygon 372 is a triangle, and the communication port 361C is configured so as to form one large triangle by combining these shapes. ing. Even with such a configuration, bubbles can pass through the portion corresponding to the first polygon 371 of the communication port 361C, and ink can pass through the portion corresponding to the second polygon 372, so that the first accommodation can be performed. Air-liquid exchange between the chamber 310 and the second containment chamber 320 can be promoted.

The flow path cross-sectional shape of the communication ports 361B and 361C of the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment is the flow path cross-sectional shape of the connecting portion 326 in which the first flow path 323 and the second flow path 324 are connected. Is also applicable. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the flow path of the connecting portion 326 may be a shape in which the third polygon 373 and the fourth polygon 374 are separated. Further, the cross-sectional shape of the flow path of the connecting portion 326 may be a shape in which the third polygon 373 and the fourth polygon 374 are united to form one triangle.

E. Fifth Embodiment:
FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the liquid supply unit 800 according to the fifth embodiment. The liquid supply unit 800 includes a liquid bottle 810, a cartridge 820, and a liquid supply tube 830. The cartridge 820 has the same structure as the cartridge 120 of the first to fourth embodiments, except that the liquid supply tube 830 is connected.

The liquid supply tube 830 connects the liquid bottle 810 to the first storage chamber 310 (FIG. 15) in the cartridge 820. The liquid bottle 810 contains a liquid (ink). The liquid can be appropriately refilled in the liquid bottle 810. The liquid bottle 810 is installed outside the printer 150. The liquid in the liquid bottle 810 is supplied to the first storage chamber 310 in the cartridge 820 through the liquid supply tube 830. Even in such a liquid supply unit 800, since the configuration of each part of the cartridge 820 is the same as that of the cartridge 120 of the first embodiment to the fourth embodiment, the same operation and effect as those of these embodiments can be obtained.

F. Other embodiments:
In the above embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the flow path of the connecting portion 326 may be a shape that does not include a plurality of polygons (third polygon 373 and fourth polygon 374). That is, the cross-sectional shape of the flow path of the connecting portion 326 may be a simple shape such as a square or a circle.

In the above embodiment, the folded flow path 321 is configured by folding the flow path once. On the other hand, the folded flow path 321 may be configured by folding the flow path twice or more. That is, the folded flow path 321 may include not only the first flow path 323 and the second flow path 324 but also more flow paths.

In the above embodiment, the step 329 may not be formed in the connecting portion 326.

In the above embodiment, the step 329 is provided by forming the convex portion 205t on the inner surface of the fifth wall portion 205. For example, in the fifth wall portion 205, the direction from the upper wall 202 to the bottom wall 201. A step may be provided by forming a groove in the.

In the above embodiment, only one of the third flow path 327 and the fourth flow path 328 may be provided between the second storage chamber 320 and the liquid supply port 280.

In the above embodiment, the intermediate wall 331 may be inclined in the −Z direction from the downstream side to the upstream side of the folded flow path 321.

In the above embodiment, the partition wall 330 may be inclined in the −Z direction from the downstream side to the upstream side of the folded flow path 321.

In the above embodiment, the cartridge 120 may not include the bubble storage unit 325.

In the above embodiment, the bubble storage unit 325 may be connected to the folded flow path 321 at the upstream end or the downstream end, not in the middle of the folded flow path 321.

In the above embodiment,
(1) The flow path cross-sectional shape of the communication port 361 includes the first polygon 371 and the second polygon 372.
(2) The cross-sectional shape of the flow path of the connecting portion 326 includes the third polygon 373 and the fourth polygon 374.
(3) A third flow path 327 and a fourth flow path 328 are included between the second storage chamber 320 and the liquid supply port 280.
If at least one of the three requirements is satisfied, the other two requirements may not be satisfied.

In the above embodiment, the cartridge 120 is composed of seven wall portions 201 to 207, but if a space capable of accommodating ink is formed inside, the number of wall portions constituting the cartridge 120 is seven. Not limited to one. For example, it may be composed of 6 or less wall portions, or may be composed of 8 or more wall portions. Further, for example, it may be composed of one or more spherical or curved wall portions. In addition, a curved wall portion and a plate-shaped wall portion may be combined and configured.

The structure of the cartridge 120 of the various embodiments described above may be changed to a structure separated into a liquid accommodating member and an adapter. The adapter includes various engaging members for engaging with the holder 560 of the printer 150, and is configured as a member for separately accommodating the liquid accommodating member in the adapter. In this case, for example, it is preferable that the liquid storage member includes a first storage chamber 310, a second storage chamber 320, and a liquid supply port 280, and the adapter includes a substrate 115 having a storage device 118.

The present invention is not limited to printers and ink cartridges thereof, but can also be applied to arbitrary liquid injection devices that consume liquids other than ink and cartridges used in those liquid injection devices. For example, the present invention can be applied as a cartridge used in various liquid injection devices such as the following.
(1) An image recording device such as a facsimile machine.
(2) A color material injection device used for manufacturing a color filter for an image display device such as a liquid crystal display.
(3) An electrode material injection device used for forming electrodes such as an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display and a field emission display (FED).
(4) A liquid injection device that injects a liquid containing a bioorganic substance used for producing a biochip.
(5) A sample injection device as a precision pipette.
(6) Lubricating oil injection device.
(7) Resin liquid injection device.
(8) A liquid injection device that injects lubricating oil pinpointly onto precision machinery such as watches and cameras.
(9) A liquid injection device that injects a transparent resin liquid such as an ultraviolet curable resin liquid onto a substrate in order to form a micro hemispherical lens (optical lens) used for an optical communication element or the like.
(10) A liquid injection device that injects an acidic or alkaline etching solution to etch a substrate or the like.
(11) A liquid injection device including a liquid consumption head that ejects another arbitrary minute amount of droplets.

The term "droplet" refers to the state of the liquid discharged from the liquid injection device, and includes those having a granular, tear-like, or thread-like tail. Further, the term "liquid" as used herein may be any material that can be consumed by the liquid injection device. For example, the "liquid" may be a material in a liquid state when the substance is in a liquid phase, and may be a material in a liquid state with high or low viscosity, and a sol, gel water, other inorganic solvent, organic solvent, solution, etc. Liquid materials such as liquid resins and liquid metals (metal melts) are also included in "liquid". Further, not only a liquid as a state of a substance but also a liquid in which particles of a functional material made of a solid substance such as a pigment or a metal particle are dissolved, dispersed or mixed in a solvent are included in the "liquid". Moreover, as a typical example of a liquid, ink, liquid crystal and the like as described in the said embodiment can be mentioned. Here, the ink includes general water-based inks, oil-based inks, and various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot melt inks.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be realized with various configurations within a range not deviating from the gist thereof. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each of the embodiments described in the summary of the invention are for solving some or all of the above-mentioned problems, or part of the above-mentioned effects. Or, in order to achieve all of them, it is possible to replace or combine them as appropriate. Further, if the technical feature is not described as essential in the present specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

100 ... liquid supply system, 115 ... substrate, 116 ... contact part, 118 ... storage device, 120 ... cartridge, 125 ... label, 130 ... positioning part, 132 ... air hole, 134 ... porous member, 135 ... leaf spring, 136 ... ... Cartridge side filter, 140 ... Atmospheric valve, 142 ... Coil spring, 143 ... Valve body part, 144 ... Valve body member, 146 ... Valve seat, 147 ... Atmospheric inlet, 149 ... Lever part, 150 ... Printer, 200 ... Outside Shell, 201 ... 1st wall part (bottom wall), 202 ... 2nd wall part (upper wall), 203 ... 3rd wall part (3rd side wall), 204 ... 4th wall part (4th side wall), 205 ... 5th wall part (1st side wall), 205t ... convex part, 206 ... 6th wall part (2nd side wall), 207 ... 7th wall part (sloping wall), 210 ... 1st cartridge side regulation part, 221 ... Second cartridge side regulation part, 241 ... air chamber, 280 ... liquid supply port, 288 ... outer wall, 290 ... opening, 291 ... seat member, 293 ... pressure receiving plate, 294 ... coil spring, 296 ... through hole, 301 ... Main body member, 305 ... lid member, 310 ... first accommodation chamber, 320 ... second accommodation chamber, 321 ... folded flow path, 323 ... first flow path, 324 ... second flow path, 325 ... bubble storage section, 325s ... Space, 326 ... Connection, 327 ... 3rd flow path, 328 ... 4th flow path, 329 ... Step, 330 ... Partition wall, 331 ... Wall (intermediate wall), 332 ... Recess, 361, 361A, 361B, 361C ... Communication port, 371 ... 1st polygon, 372 ... 2nd polygon, 373 ... 3rd polygon, 374 ... 4th polygon, 510 ... Control unit, 517 ... Flexible cable, 520 ... Carriage, 540 ... Liquid injection head, 560 ... Holder, 601 ... Wall (bottom), 604 ... Wall (side wall), 603, 605, 606 ... Wall, 602 ... Cartridge storage chamber, 607 ... Partition plate, 610 ... Positioning protrusion, 620 ... Device side regulation part, 640 ... Liquid introduction part, 642 ... Tip part, 643 ... Device side filter, 645 ... Base end part, 648 ... Sheet member, 661 ... Electrode part, 680 ... Lever, 800 ... Liquid supply unit, 810 ... Liquid bottle, 820 ... Cartridge, 830 ... Liquid supply tube, C ... Central axis, L1, L2, L3 ... Straight.

Claims (9)

A liquid accommodating body that will be mounted on the carriage that reciprocates in the X direction,
The upper wall and the bottom wall facing each other in the Z direction intersecting the X direction,
The first side wall and the second side wall facing each other in the X direction and the Y direction intersecting the Z direction,
The third side wall and the fourth side wall facing each other in the X direction,
The liquid supply port provided on the bottom wall and
The first accommodation chamber provided on the + Z direction side, which is the upper wall side of the Z direction, and
A second accommodation chamber provided on the −Z direction side, which is the bottom wall side of the Z direction, and
A partition wall separating the first containment chamber and the second containment chamber,
A communication port that communicates the first containment chamber and the second containment chamber,
Equipped with
The second storage chamber is connected to the liquid supply port and is connected to the liquid supply port.
The first storage chamber is connected to the liquid supply port via the communication port and the second storage chamber.
The second containment chamber includes a folded flow path that folds back along the X direction.
The liquid in the first storage chamber is led out from the communication port to the liquid supply port via the return flow path.
When viewed from the Z direction, the shape of the flow path cross section of the communication port includes at least a first polygon and a second polygon.
Wherein Ri first and the Do different area of the polygonal area wherein the second polygon,
Between the second storage chamber and the liquid supply port, a third flow path for delivering liquid from the second storage chamber to the liquid supply port, and the second flow path for sending air from the liquid supply port to the liquid supply port. A liquid container including a fourth flow path for delivering air to the storage chamber. The liquid container according to claim 1.
The folded flow path is a first flow path in which a liquid flows from the third side wall side to the fourth side wall side, and a second flow path in which a liquid flows from the fourth side wall side to the third side wall side. And, including, liquid containment. The liquid container according to claim 2.
The shape of the cross section of the flow path when the connection portion between the first flow path and the second flow path is viewed from the Z direction includes at least a third polygon and a fourth polygon.
A liquid container in which the area of the third polygon and the area of the fourth polygon are different. The liquid container according to claim 2 or 3.
At the connection portion between the first flow path and the second flow path, a step extending from the upper wall toward the bottom wall is formed on the inner surface of at least one of the first side wall and the second side wall. There is a liquid container. The liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
A wall forming the upper surface of the most downstream side of the folded flow path when the first accommodating chamber side is the upstream side and the liquid supply port side is the downstream side. Is a liquid container including a portion inclined in the + Z direction from the downstream side to the upstream side. The liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
The partition wall forms the upper surface of the most upstream flow path among the folded flow paths.
The partition wall is a liquid container including a portion inclined in the + Z direction from the downstream side to the upstream side. A liquid container mounted on a carriage that reciprocates in the X direction.
The upper wall and the bottom wall facing each other in the Z direction intersecting the X direction,
The first side wall and the second side wall facing each other in the X direction and the Y direction intersecting the Z direction,
The third side wall and the fourth side wall facing each other in the X direction,
The liquid supply port provided on the bottom wall and
The first accommodation chamber provided on the + Z direction side, which is the upper wall side of the Z direction, and
A second accommodation chamber provided on the −Z direction side, which is the bottom wall side of the Z direction, and
A partition wall separating the first containment chamber and the second containment chamber,
A communication port that communicates the first containment chamber and the second containment chamber,
Equipped with
The second storage chamber is connected to the liquid supply port and is connected to the liquid supply port.
The first storage chamber is connected to the liquid supply port via the communication port and the second storage chamber.
The second containment chamber includes a folded flow path that folds back along the X direction.
The liquid in the first storage chamber is led out from the communication port to the liquid supply port via the return flow path.
When viewed from the Z direction, the shape of the flow path cross section of the communication port includes at least a first polygon and a second polygon.
The area of the first polygon and the area of the second polygon are different.
The second storage chamber is a liquid storage body having a space located on the + Z direction side of the folded flow path and having a bubble storage portion in which bubbles are stored in the space. The liquid container according to claim 7.
The bubble storage portion is a liquid container connected to the folded flow path in the middle of the folded flow path. A liquid accommodating body that will be mounted on the carriage that reciprocates in the X direction,
The upper wall and the bottom wall facing each other in the Z direction intersecting the X direction,
The first side wall and the second side wall facing each other in the X direction and the Y direction intersecting the Z direction,
The third side wall and the fourth side wall facing each other in the X direction,
The liquid supply port provided on the bottom wall and
The first accommodation chamber provided on the + Z direction side, which is the upper wall side of the Z direction, and
A second accommodation chamber provided on the −Z direction side, which is the bottom wall side of the Z direction, and
A partition wall separating the first containment chamber and the second containment chamber,
A communication port that communicates the first containment chamber and the second containment chamber,
Equipped with
The second storage chamber is connected to the liquid supply port and is connected to the liquid supply port.
The first storage chamber is connected to the liquid supply port via the communication port and the second storage chamber.
The second containment chamber includes a folded flow path that folds back along the X direction.
The liquid in the first storage chamber is led out from the communication port to the liquid supply port via the return flow path.
Between the second accommodating chamber and the liquid supply port, a flow path for delivering liquid from the second accommodating chamber to the liquid supply port, and a flow path for delivering air from the liquid supply port to the second accommodating chamber. A flow path for sending air to and from the air is provided.
Liquid container.

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